A broken sewer line can be a major headache for any homeowner. From unpleasant odors to an ailing lawn, it’s essential to know the signs of a broken or breached sewer line right away. This is one scenario where you definitely want to call in the help of a professional Midlothian plumbing service as soon as possible. Read on to learn about the causes and signs of a broken sewer line and what to do about it.
Need emergency services from a qualified plumber Midlothian TX homeowner? The team at Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating is ready to help. Give us a call at 972-885-6373 or contact us online to get started today.
Signs of a Breached Sewer Line
When it comes to a broken sewer, acting fast can help minimize damage. The sewer line is an essential component of your home’s plumbing system, and neglecting a breached or broken one will ultimately cause plumbing issues throughout your entire home. Understanding the signs of a broken sewer can be a real life-saver. Let’s investigate.
Unpleasant Sewer Odors
Unfortunately, one of the most obvious signs of a broken sewer line is also one of the most unpleasant. If you notice sewer gas odors lingering around your home, especially around the outside, it could indicate a breached sewer line. This issue warrants proper inspection right away.
Mold in Your Basement
Mold thrives in moist areas, and a broken sewer line or pipe with excess water doubles as an ideal breeding ground for mold. If you notice mold growth in your basement, it could indicate plumbing issues like leaky pipes or, quite often, a breached sewer line. Taking care of the issue immediately can help prevent damage to your home and belongings, and it can help keep your family safe from the effects of mold.
Pipe Erosion
A broken sewer line disrupts the normal, even flow of water throughout the pipes in your home. This sudden change in flow and water pressure can lead to plumbing issues like leaking pipes and pipe erosion. While this potential for structural damage to your plumbing system is reason enough to act, the sudden presence of multiple leaks can also be a key indicator of a broken or backed up sewer line.
Multiple Drain Clogs
The occasional drain clog may be unavoidable, but frequent clogs or multiple clogged drains in the home could point to a bigger problem lurking in your plumbing. Simultaneous clogs and slow moving drains may indicate problems in the sewer line, such as a severe blockage or a breach. If the problem lies with a sewer line clog, homeowners can avoid a break by contacting Midlothian plumbing professionals like the pro team at Dial One Johnson right away. Neglecting a major sewer line clog can lead to an eventual break, which is a far more expensive — and extensive — repair than simply removing a clog. When it comes to any home maintenance issue, prevention is key.
Lawn Signs
Keep an eye out for tell-tale lawn signs — and we don’t mean those telling you who to vote for. If you notice an indentation in your lawn, soggy or wet patches when it hasn’t rained or grass turning yellow and brown, or dying for no apparent reason, have your sewer line inspected for a breach.
What Causes a Breached Sewer Line?
Understanding what can lead to a breached sewer line may help homeowners avoid plumbing problems in the future. While some of the causes behind a broken sewer line are entirely outside of our control, many involve common practices that homeowners may not realize put their plumbing in jeopardy. Let’s take a look:
Pouring Cooking Grease Down the Drain
Oils, fats and cooking grease are major culprits for blockages. Homeowners should avoid pouring these down the drain to prevent clogs. Instead, allow grease to cool and solidify, then dispose of it in the trash.
Shifting Soil
As soil naturally shifts, it can cause a sewer line to move and potentially take on damage. Increased weight or foot traffic on the ground above a sewer line can cause soil to shift or compound. Shifting soil can lead to a sagging sewer line, which is prone to collecting toilet paper and waste at the low point, leading to severe blockages and a potential breach. While homeowners may not be able to do much about naturally shifting soil, it can be beneficial to know where your sewer line is located and avoid placing heavy constructions in that area.
Old Pipes
Corrosion in an aging pipe or leaking joints where seals between sections of piping have broken or worn away can lead to damage or a collapsed pipe. Regular video inspections by a plumbing professional can help homeowners stay ahead of a disaster.
Invasive Tree Roots
Tree roots seek out water sources below ground. As a result, even a minor leak can cause tree roots to invade your sewer line and grow there, eventually causing a sewer line breach.
Flushing Inappropriate Objects Down the Toilet
Flushing inappropriate substances or objects down the toilet can lead to major plumbing issues down the line. Even items that seem small and harmless can get caught and collect other debris, forming a severe clog. The only substances that should make their way into your toilet are toilet paper and organic human waste.
Book Professional Midlothian Plumbing Services Today
You can count on professional Midlothian plumbing services from the team at Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Heating and Cooling. Dial One Johnson specializes in drain and sewer line inspections, repairs and replacements. We’re proud to offer high-quality HVAC and plumbing services in Midlothian, Cedar Hill and the surrounding metro Dallas areas. Our customers receive a 100% guarantee on our workmanship and we have flexible financing options available to help homeowners cover unexpected costs. Give us a ring at 972-885-6373 or contact us online today. We’re happy to provide more information about our sewer line services.
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.